Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center
OcalaHidden gem inside Silver Springs State Park with 12,000 years of Florida history — prehistoric artifacts, rare fossils, and a pioneer cracker village with historic cabins and a one-room schoolhouse. Open to the public on weekends only.
Silver Springs State Park
OcalaFlorida's original tourist attraction, featuring the world's largest artesian spring formation. Glass-bottom boat tours reveal an underwater world of fish, turtles, and ancient fossils in impossibly clear water.
Silver Springs State Park Glass Bottom Boat Tours
OcalaThe original glass-bottom boat experience, running since the 1870s. Thirty-minute tours depart every 15-20 minutes, with extended 90-minute deep tours at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Book ahead — they sell out.
Symmetry Coffee & Crepes
OcalaExpertly crafted coffee and French-style crepes in Ocala's historic and arts district. The roastery is on-site, the crepes are made to order, and the atmosphere is the perfect blend of productive and relaxed. Multiple locations, but the downtown spot is the original.
The Black Sheep on Broadway
OcalaLocally owned, woman-led restaurant and bar in downtown Ocala, open since 2019. Features live music on weekends, weekday happy hours, and a full menu of American pub fare in the heart of the historic district.
The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
OcalaFlorida's only true canopy tour — soar up to 155 feet high on zip lines reaching 1,150 feet long over old limestone quarry canyons and spring-fed lakes. Kayaking and horseback riding too. Tours start at $59.
Tuscawilla Art Park
OcalaOutdoor art park in downtown Ocala featuring rotating sculpture installations and public art. A creative green space perfect for an afternoon walk among the artwork.
